UK-based lawyers filed a lawsuit against Hasina at the ICC

“There is uncertainty that Hasina will be punished by the Bangladesh court as she already receives political support from India. India may have to cooperate internationally if the ICC issues an arrest warrant,” Ashraful added.

TBS Report

03 November 2024, 09:35

Last modified: 03 November 2024, 10:59

Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Photo: Collected

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Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Photo: Collected

Three UK-based lawyers have filed a lawsuit against former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague for genocide and crimes against humanity during the July-August uprising.

Lawyers asked the court to independently investigate complaints against Hasina and other influential figures in her government through the lawsuit.

Advocate Md Ashraful Arefin, counsel for the plaintiff and the Three Bolt Court Division, briefed the media about the case at a press conference held at the London-Bangla Press Club on Friday, November 1.

“The case was filed under Article 15 of the ICC Rome Statute,” Ashraful said. he said.

Ashraful told the media that the other two lawyers were lawyer Sarah Fore and lawyer Emil Lixandru.

“We have presented ample evidence of Hasina’s violence and repression against protesters. The evidence includes witnesses, video footage and reliable information,” he said.

During the press conference, the lawyer also said that he had submitted the case to the ICC as he doubted that justice would be served in Bangladeshi courts.

“There is uncertainty that Hasina will be punished by the Bangladesh court as she already receives political support from India. India may have to cooperate internationally if the ICC issues an arrest warrant,” Ashraful added.

In an interview with India’s largest news agency PTI published on September 5, Chief Counsel Muhammad Younis said former prime minister Sheikh Hasina should remain silent in India until Bangladesh requests her extradition.

His statement came after Hasina made political statements that Yunus described as “hostile”.

“Yes, he needs to be brought back, otherwise the people of Bangladesh will not be at peace. His atrocities must be tried before everyone here,” he said while talking to PTI. Official residence in Dhaka.

About ICC

​The International Criminal Court (ICC) investigates and, when necessary, tries people accused of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community, such as genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression.

Article 15 of the Rome Statute

In accordance with Article 15 of the Rome Statute, the court may exercise jurisdiction based on information regarding the crime of assault. In this case, the prosecutor may initiate an investigation against the defendant.

Events leading to accusations against Hasina

Hasina fled Bangladesh for India on August 5 after the student movement turned into a national protest against the leader.

He was forced to resign his position and flee the country by military helicopter. He has been in India ever since as calls for his extradition grew.

Bangladesh’s cancellation of diplomatic passports of Hasina and her relatives has raised questions about whether Hasina can stay in India longer and face possible extradition.